Welcome to Railtrail Tours
A family firm with an ethos of honesty and integrity. Our passion for delivering quality escorted holidays by rail at great value fares along with consistently excellent customer service has stood us in good stead for over 40 years.
Big on Quality, Small Enough to Care
01538 382323
Monday - Friday, 9am to 5pm
Welcome to our unique programme of steam and heritage tours which are now open for booking. Below you will find a fantastic series of steam tours in the UK, Europe, and Worldwide including ever popular steam and heritage destinations such as Germany, France, Austria, Switzerland, Canada, and New Zealand.
We look forward to the pleasure of your company soon discovering destinations that other tour operators do not reach.
Please also find our Expressions of Interest section at the bottom of this page. These are tours that are currently being finalised which will then be added to the tour list once released. You can follow the link to Express Your Interest and be one of the first to receive details of the tour as soon as they are available.
New Zealand Steam Adventure (Flight Inclusive) 7 Feb 2025 (26 days) - Fares from £9995 Experience the trip of a lifetime on our unique escorted tour to New Zealand showcasing the best of both the North and South Islands. Immerse yourself in the charm of KiwiRail's scenic routes with breathtaking rides on all three journeying through magnificent mountain scenery and coastlines. Enjoy numerous charter trains, exclusive steam charters, a lake cruise, visits to railway museums, and much more plus time to explore and soak in the culture, beauty, and history of this amazing country.
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New Zealand Steam Adventure (Ground Only) 10 Feb 2025 (22 days) - Fares from £7995 Experience the trip of a lifetime on our unique escorted tour to New Zealand showcasing the best of both the North and South Islands. Immerse yourself in the charm of KiwiRail's scenic routes with breathtaking rides on all three journeying through magnificent mountain scenery and coastlines. Enjoy numerous charter trains, exclusive steam charters, a lake cruise, visits to railway museums, and much more plus time to explore and soak in the culture, beauty, and history of this amazing country.
This is the Ground Only option and you will have to make your own flight arrangements to Auckland and return from Christchurch.
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Great German Rail Ale Trail 12 Feb & 4 May 2025 (9 days) - Fares from £2249 Indulge in a fantastic tour of German beers discovering regional differences of taste, language, culture, and lifestyle. Discover Düsseldorf's Altbier, Cologne's Kölsch, and Einbeck's Bockbier plus an exhilarating journey up the Brocken Mountain and free time to explore the quaint town of Wernigerode and the vibrant city of Munich.
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Saxony & Harz Winter Steam Extravaganza 14 Feb 2025 (11 days) - Fares from £2399 Experience the ultimate steam tour adventure in Germany with no less than ten steam lines to explore on this action-packed itinerary! Journey through beautiful landscapes on exhilarating steam hauled rides, travel on a unique suspended monorail, ride charming branch lines on the Zittau Railway, and visit the fascinating Altstadt roundhouse in Dresden.
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Canadian Rail Explorer (Flight Inclusive) 22 March 2025 (13 days) - Fares from £7999 Experience the adventure of a lifetime with a unique rail journey across Canada aboard the iconic train - "The Canadian". Travel in a classic 1950's train with dome cars, tail observation car, and fantastic dining car across the Canadian Shield, wide-open Prairies, and dramatic Rockies. Visit vibrant cities including Montréal and Toronto, gaze out at the thundering waters of Niagara Falls, soak in coastal breezes in Vancouver, and take a scenic ferry ride to Victoria on this unforgettable tour.
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Canadian Rail Explorer (Ground Only) 22 March 2025 (12 days) - Fares from £6999 Experience the adventure of a lifetime with a unique rail journey across Canada aboard the iconic train - "The Canadian". Travel in a classic 1950's train with dome cars, tail observation car, and fantastic dining car across the Canadian Shield, wide-open Prairies, and dramatic Rockies. Visit vibrant cities including Montréal and Toronto, gaze out at the thundering waters of Niagara Falls, soak in coastal breezes in Vancouver, and take a scenic ferry ride to Victoria on this unforgettable tour.
This is the Ground Only option and you will have to make your own flight arrangements to Montréal and return from Vancouver.
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Steam & Sail in the English Riviera 7 Apr, 12 May, 9 Jun, 7 Jul, 11 Aug & 1 Sep 2025 (5 days) - Fares from £645 Enjoy a beautiful rail holiday along one of Britain's most iconic routes to the English Riviera with the opportunity to explore the beauty and charm of Devon's magnificent coastline by boat as well as travelling on two of Devon's finest steam railways. Stay in a picturesque seafront location with sea view rooms included plus enjoy free time in Torquay and Dartmouth to discover these vibrant and historic towns.
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Dresden Steam Festival & More 8 Apr 2025 (8 days) - Fares from £2159 Every year Dresden hosts one of the major steam festivals in Europe, and this year is no exception! Visit magnificent steam locomotives at the festival, experience two main-line steam rides, travel on a unique suspended monorail, and ride charming branch lines. Journey through beautiful landscapes, ride a vintage tram charter, and enjoy free time to explore the historic city of Dresden.
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Amsterdam, Tulips, Cheese & Steam 9 Apr & 30 Apr 2025 (7 days) - Fares from £1645 Experience the Netherlands on a fantastic tour featuring the incomparable bulbs in bloom at Keukenhof Gardens, the historic steam train from Hoorn to Medemblik, a relaxing cruise across the beautiful IJsselmeer plus a stay in Alkmaar to coincide with their Cheese Market! Not forgetting a day in Amsterdam including a canal trip and the opportunity to sneak in some extra steam at Goes-Borsele.
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Scottish Steam, Malt & Ale Trail 10 Apr, 15 May, 19 Jun, 17 Jul & 18 Sep 2025 (6 days) - Fares from £939 Build up a head of steam and uncover Scotland's heritage from a different angle. Steam through the Highlands on the nostalgic Strathspey Railway, experience the scenic Bo'ness & Kinneil Steam Railway, sail through the sky on the remarkable Falkirk Wheel, and enjoy a cruise on Loch Katrine. Visit the magnificent equine sculptures of The Kelpies and the fantastic Stirling Castle plus indulge in a whisky distillery tour and a brewery tasting.
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Isle of Man Explorer 24 Apr, 15 May, 14 Aug & 25 Sep 2025 (5 days) - Fares from £765 Experience the fantastic Isle of Man at its very best! Discover the heritage of this independent isle and enjoy fantastic steam journeys, unique electric trams, mountain railways, horse drawn trams, and spectacular views at the summit of Snaefell. Visit the medieval Castle Rushen and the fascinating Old House of Keys plus free time to explore the harbourside town of Ramsey all from a wonderful seafront hotel.
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Step Back in Tyne - Discover the North East 28 Apr, 19 May, 14 Jul & 22 Sep 2025 (6 days) - Fares from £780 The mighty River Tyne is bordered by the unspoilt beauty, history, and heritage of Northumberland & Durham. This attraction packed short break time-travels from the Romans of Hadrian's Wall and Vindolanda, through historic Anglo-Saxon Bamburgh, to the Victorian 'living history' of Beamish plus a boat trip to view the stunning wildlife of the Farne Islands and two excursions on the South Tynedale Railway and Heatherslaw Light Railway.
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Historical Wonders of Wessex & Portsmouth 28 Apr, 19 May & 23 Jun 2025 (6 days) - Fares from £1029 Delve into the history of Wessex, once the capital of England, and go beyond the surface at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard stepping aboard iconic warships including HMS Victory, HMS Warrior, and Mary Rose. Explore the stunning Cathedrals of Winchester and Chichester, uncover the legendary Arthurian Round Table at Winchester Castle, stroll through the charming Queen Eleanor's Garden, visit the home of renowned author, Jane Austen, plus take a ride on the nearby heritage railway 'Watercress Line'.
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Black Forest Rail Roamer 30 Apr 2025 (6 days) - Fares from £1199 Experience some of the most scenic rail routes and delightful branch lines in the beautiful Black Forest area of Germany. Our rail roamer tour takes you on amazing branch lines, through dramatic tunnels, along rural routes, enjoying a steam train ride, and a vintage railcar charter plus visits to the picturesque lakeside towns of Constance, Seebrugg, and Titisee.
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Yorkshire Gold - Coast & Country 6 May & 23 Sep 2025 (7 days) - Fares from £1690 Discover the delights of England's most diverse county on our Signature Tour staying in the beautiful, cathedral city of York. Experience steam nostalgia in the Yorkshire Dales, explore fascinating historic houses and gardens, indulge in a fabulous food tour of Harrogate, and sail the Leeds & Liverpool canal. Stroll through the medieval streets of York and enjoy free time in Skipton and Whitby with the best fish & chips in Yorkshire!
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South of France Steam 6 May 2025 (7 days) - Fares from £1899 Experience a fantastic steam adventure on this special tour to the South of France riding steam hauled trains over some of the most scenic routes. Journey on the stunning Vivarais Railway, enjoy an exclusive charter on the highest steam train in France, ride the Cévennes Steam Train across superb viaducts, and take an historic steam journey aboard the Train des Pignes plus a ride along the Mediterranean coast and free time to discover Nice.
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Roses Battle by Steam plus Settle & Carlisle Line 12 May, 16 Jun & 8 Sep 2025 (8 days) - Fares from £1299 Celebrate the steam and rail heritage of the north country with our very own 'Battle of the Roses' tour based at an iconic railway hotel. Journey on the fabulous Settle & Carlisle Line, experience steam nostalgia with fantastic Yorkshire and Lancashire steam and heritage railways every day, visit the fascinating Bury Transport Museum, and indulge in a distillery tour and tasting. You are sure to come up smelling of roses!
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Wonderful Wales 12 May, 9 Jun, 7 Jul, 18 Aug & 8 Sep 2025 (6 days) - Fares from £1130 Steam through Snowdonia on this fantastic tour in wonderful Wales. Experience nostalgic steam journeys including the spectacular Snowdon Mountain Railway, journey on the beautiful Conwy Valley Line, enjoy a magnificent tram ride, and visit the beautiful Bodnant Garden. Discover the heritage, history, and beauty of Wales.
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Canals, Steam & Historic Chester 13 May, 8 Jul & 16 Sep 2025 (5 days) - Fares from £735 Explore the industrial age of waterways and railways on this fantastic tour based in historic Chester featuring one of the 'Seven Wonders of the Canals'. Discover the world of canals at Ellesmere Port, cruise across the fantastic Pontcysyllte Aqueduct, visit the beautiful Arley Hall & Gardens, and enjoy a nostalgic journey on the Llangollen Railway.
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Forest of Dean Steam & The Wye Valley 19 May & 8 Sep 2025 (5 days) - Fares from £759 Explore the magical region between the Welsh borderland and the River Severn in the beautiful Forest of Dean including three heritage railways, a cruise along one of the country's most scenic river landscapes, and visits to fascinating museums. Enjoy time to explore some of the many charming towns and villages including Broadway (Jewel of the Cotswolds), picturesque Ross-on-Wye, and the historic market town of Abergavenny.
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North East Steam 22 May 2025 (6 days) - Fares from £879 Experience a remarkable steam tour to Newcastle to explore the home of five steam railways. Enjoy a scenic steam journey on the oldest existing railway at Tanfield, ride the narrow-gauge line at South Tynedale, and discover the birthplace of railways at the Locomotion Museum. Visit the incredible Living Museum at Beamish plus the iconic Angel of the North on this nostalgic tour.
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West Country Luxury Steam 1 Jun 2025 (4 days) - Fares from £1425 Return to the golden age of travel on this luxurious Signature tour to Bristol staying in an elegant, waterfront hotel. Experience an exclusive journey aboard the meticulously restored Saphos Steam Train, indulge in fine dining with a view, and enjoy private, out-of-hours access to the remarkable SS Great Britain plus free time to explore the historic city of Bristol.
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Nostalgic Lakes & Mountains Explorer 2 Jun & 15 Sep 2025 (8 days) - Fares from £1459 Experience nostalgic railway journeys through spectacular scenery and along stunning coastlines in the Lake District enjoying vintage train rides including the world-famous Settle & Carlisle line across the fabulous Ribblehead Viaduct. Visit fascinating railway museums, relax on leisurely cruises across beautiful lakes, indulge in afternoon tea at the stately Leighton Hall, enjoy a distillery tour and tasting plus free time to explore the beautiful market town of Kendal.
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Bygone Times of Bletchley & Beyond 3 Jun & 14 Oct 2025 (5 days) - Fares from £679 Journey through history and explore aviation legacy on this fascinating tour to Bedford. Visit extraordinary wartime headquarters, uncover the secrets of Bletchley Park, discover the tactics and techniques of military intelligence, and explore the largest collection of historic aircraft in Europe on this captivating journey back in time.
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Northern France Narrow-Gauge Steam 6 Jun 2025 (5 days) - Fares from £1069 Steam nostalgia on this exciting narrow-gauge adventure in Northern France experiencing no less than five steam railways! Enjoy exclusive charters aboard historic trains and vintage trams, visit unique locomotive collections, and experience the Froissy Steam Festival.
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Wonders of the Waterways 7 Jun & 13 Sep 2025 (10 days) - Fares from £1875 Explore the wonders of the waterways on this fantastic tour starting at the very heart of the industrial revolution and discovering the masterpieces of Victorian engineering with boat trips and steam trains galore. Cruise remarkable canals, tunnels, and aqueducts, visit famous locations and fascinating museums, and steam nostalgia on scenic railway journeys.
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Timeless Isle of Man Adventurer 9 Jun & 28 Jul 2025 (8 days) - Fares from £1229 Discover the heritage and railways of the fantastic Isle of Man at its very best! Enjoy a fantastic steam journey, unique electric trams, mountain railways, horse-drawn trams, and spectacular views at the summit of Snaefell. Visit the medieval Castle Rushen, the historic Cregneash Village, and the mythological Manannan Museum plus free time to explore the harbourside town of Ramsey.
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Big Five versus The Stoosbahn 14 Jun & 16 Aug 2025 (8 days) - Fares from £2099 Discover magnificent mountain scenery and breathtaking views on this tour to Switzerland featuring six unique rail excursions. Journey on the Stanserhorn Railway, the Pilatus Railway, the Hammetschwand Lift, the Titlis Rotair, and the Rigi Railway plus a visit to the remarkable Stoosbahn! Experience the best of Switzerland rail from a beautiful hotel on the shores of Lake Lucerne.
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Welsh Whisky, Mines, Mint & Steam 16 Jun & 11 Aug 2025 (6 days) - Fares from £890 Discover Wales on this great value tour based in the fantastic city of Cardiff. Enjoy nostalgic steam journeys on the Brecon Mountain Railway and Forest of Dean Railway, experience fascinating guided tours at the Royal Mint Experience and Rhondda Heritage Park, and visit St Fagans Museum. Indulge in a whisky tasting at an award-winning Welsh distillery plus enjoy free time to explore Cardiff and Chepstow.
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Heart of Wales & The Brecon Beacons 19 Jun & 11 Sep 2025 (5 days) - Fares from £725 Journey to the Heart of Wales on this scenic rail holiday enjoying nostalgic steam journeys with picturesque valley and mountain views on the Vale of Rheidol Railway, the Brecon Mountain Railway, and the Talyllyn, the world's first preserved railway. Journey on the beautiful Heart of Wales Line, visit the magnificent Aberglasney Gardens, discover Cyfarthfa Castle, and enjoy time to explore the historic town of Abergavenny.
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Swiss Mountain Treasures 23 Jun, 11 Aug & 6 Oct 2025 (11 days) - Fares from £4669 Enjoy a delightful combination of Switzerland and steam trains and experience amazing mountain railways, glorious lake cruises, and magnificent panoramic views. Journey on historic railways including the Brienz Rothorn Railway, Furka Steam Railway, and Brünig Steam Railway, visit the Schilthorn summit, and discover impressive glacier waterfalls plus enjoy free time to explore this beautiful region.
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West Country Steam 25 Jun 2025 (6 days) - Fares from £925 Experience a fantastic steam tour to the West Country to explore remarkable rail heritage from the beautiful city of Exeter. Steam nostalgia over narrow-gauge lines, through stunning countryside, along magnificent coastlines, and past wild moorlands with heritage railway adventures every day. Cruise on the River Dart, ride the historic funicular at Lynton, and enjoy free time in Bodmin and Dartmouth to discover these vibrant and historic towns.
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Switzerland Steam-Powered Six 28 Jun & 20 Sep 2025 (8 days) - Fares from £2419 Experience stunning Switzerland on this great steam-powered railway tour, based on the shores of Lake Lucerne. Enjoy nostalgic cruises across three beautiful Swiss lakes and journey on three exhilarating steam railways including the Rigi Railway, Brienz Rothorn Railway, and Furka Steam Railway plus a trip on the world's steepest cogwheel railway!
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French Rail Roamer 1 Jul 2025 (6 days) - Fares from £1195 Experience some of the most scenic rural routes that France has to offer on this delightful rail roamer tour. Discover the beautiful Rhone Alps Region, ride the dramatic rack railway to Mer de Glace, and journey along the Tarentaise Valley. Enjoy picturesque views through the Massif Central, explore the Roman heritage of Nîmes, and visit charming towns.
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Northern Germany by Steam 27 Jul 2025 (9 days) - Fares from £2425 Experience an exciting tour full of fantastic steam action and variety in Northern Germany including special arrangements on the renowned Molli Steam Railway with an exclusive photography session. Steam nostalgia on the Rasender Roland, journey on Germany's first heritage railway, enjoy a steamboat cruise, and visit the world's largest model railway. This is not a tour to be missed!
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Norfolk Steam 28 Aug 2025 (5 days) - Fares from £975 Experience the glorious sights, smells, and sounds of the steam age on this nostalgic tour to Norfolk. Visit five fantastic steam railways, enjoy picturesque steam journeys including the famed Poppy Line, experience a steam festival, and discover the magnificent Bressingham Steam & Gardens.
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Czech Steam Festival 22 Sep 2025 (9 days) - Fares from £3199 Full steam ahead on this action-packed tour to the Czech Republic including the fantastic Steam Festival. Explore magnificent locomotives at the festival, discover nostalgic narrow-gauge railways, and ride behind steam on exclusive charters. Visit fascinating museums including the unique National Railway Museum and enjoy a vintage tram charter through Prague with free time to explore the city.
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Austrian Steam Adventure 30 Sep 2025 (8 days) - Fares from £2325 Explore some of the most scenic steam-hauled routes on this Austrian adventure. Ride behind steam on exclusive charters aboard historic trains and vintage trams including the bucolic Steyrtalbahn and the picturesque Pinzgaubahn. Journey into the mountains on the superb Mariazellerbahn, experience the fantastic Ampflwang Locomotive Park, and much more on this nostalgic tour.
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Festive Steam in Saxony 2 Dec 2025 (8 days) - Fares from £2269 Enjoy the festive season on this fantastic steam tour to Germany. Experience fabulous mainline steam excursions, nostalgic narrow-gauge steam lines, and charming branch lines plus travel on a unique suspended monorail and superb funicular railway. Cruise along the River Elbe, visit the fascinating Dresden Transport Museum, and enjoy time to stroll through the traditional Christmas Markets of both Dresden and Leipzig offering unique festive treats and gifts.
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EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST Peru & Ecuador Rail Adventure - November 2026 (16 days) - Fares TBC
Set off on an extraordinary adventure through the breathtaking terrains of Peru and Ecuador, where every moment is filled with excitement and discovery. Dive deep into the rich tapestry of local culture as you explore bustling indigenous markets and engage with historic communities. Delve into the significance of Ecuador and Peru's railways, including the iconic Devils Nose Train, the beautifully resorted Ibarra Railway, the spectacular Titicaca Train, and the celebrated route from Cusco to Machu Picchu, all offering stunning train rides through some of the most awe-inspiring landscapes. This journey promises to be a remarkable blend of adventure, history, and breathtaking scenery that you will cherish forever.
Don't Miss This Adventure of a Lifetime! Express your interest using this link to receive details of this tour as soon as they are available.
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Please keep visiting the Railtrail Steam Calendar for updates to our site. Many thanks for looking. |
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